Rich Barnes/contributing photographerHomer Central junior Hunter Osborne (19) escapes the check of a Tully defender Monday night at Butts Field. Osborne had two goals and an assist as the Trojans opened the lacrosse season with a 16-6 non-league victory.

This was a simple matter of working out some early lacrosse kinks.
Once Homer Central boys did that, what first appeared to be a tough season-opening test turned into a convincing 16-6 non-league victory over the visiting Tully Black Knights on a chilly Monday evening at Butts Field.
The Trojans trailed 5-4 early in the second quarter against the Black Knights (1-1), Tully coming into the game fresh from a 14-10 victory over General Brown this past weekend. From that perilous point, Coach Tom Cottrell’s squad went ahead 8-5 by halftime and then outscored Tully 8-1 the rest of the way.
Eight different players found the net for the Trojans, senior attackman Carl Zimmerman leading the way with four goals and a pair of assists. Coach Cottrell was also happy with the fact 11 of the 16 goals scored by his squad came off assists.
“It was nice to see us do that little things that we need to do to keep on playing,” said Cottrell, referring to any post-season aspirations the Trojans have after going 12-8 a year ago. The Trojans will begin play in their new OHSL Class B Division league on Thursday, Fulton the 7:15 p.m. foe back at Butts Field.
Fulton also opened the season last night, the Red Raiders losing to visiting Westhill 10-4.
Senior attackman John Sciera and senior midfielder Aaron Darr added three goals to the Trojans’ victory, Sciera with a couple of assists while Darr also picked up an assist. Junior attackman Hunter Osborne had two goals and an assist, while senior middie Luke Pedersen a goal and two assists for the Trojans.
Two sophomores midfielders, Conner Johnston and Aaron Zimmerman, also netted their first varsity goals to help the victors.
But it was the Homer defense led by goalie Nick Larue, a junior who stopped a dozen shots in his first varsity start, that helped turn this game around.
“Defensively, we did a good job of clamping things down and eventually our offense took over,” said Cottrell, who felt first game jitters emerged in the early going. “Defensively we did a better job recognizing who their threats were and doubling them. Our defense is young, but they’re going to get better and better as the season goes on.”
Those scoring threats for Tully were the trio of Kevin DeOrdio, Chris Cook and Jake Guy who each scored twice. DeOrdio also dished out three assists, though the Black Knights managed just a lone second half goal and would be out-shot 31-21.
Going 0-for-5 on man-up chances also hurt the Black Knights, while Homer cashed in twice on its handful of extra-man opportunities.
“I was very pleased with the special teams as well,” said Cottrell. “We only scored twice, but in two others we hit a pipe, had good scoring chances and moved the ball well. That was encouraging.”
So was getting off to a good start, which was crucial with Fulton arriving to get league play started and dangerous Marcellus due to visit Butts Field for a 1:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon early season challenge.